DerbyCity going to Nashville...???

garczar said:
Yep. Its a home game for them. I went to Tunica in '12 and it seemed to run ok but had the same issues as to food,etc. The place was fine and i liked the golf on property part. Our hotel tower had a shuttle over to tourn. room and they kept the a/c cold(summer event) so that was a plus. Greg was hoping to start a tour based on DCC but couldn't get sponsors on board so it stopped after two events. https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/2014-southern-classic-tunica-cancelled.338317/
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I was there also, both years.

The economy was in the crapper then. Lot of people blamed the tournament ending on Bonus Ball at the time. I think it was just hard times for everyone due to the economy.

If Diamond were to try again somewhere else today, I think they could have success.
 
$TAKE HOR$E said:
The Derby itself will never be the same, as it was when it was at the EW for those who remember it.
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I was just talking to an old buddy about this a couple of days ago.

As much as I loved the EW Derby days, I don't think it's a stretch to say that it had to change. I feel like it was only a matter of time before some kind of truly jacked up crime would have been committed there. Word had gotten out about all the action (cash) and there were people showing up with no real interest in anything other than robbing someone away from a pool table. Again, just my opinion, but if it hadn't moved I feel like it would have either been shut down because of crime or because the law decided people were having too much fun so they raided it. I never had any problems there. But my gut told me it couldn't stay on the path it was on without attracting even more unwanted attention.

The new venue feel sterile in comparison. But that's like comparing a new pair of boots to your favorite old shit kickers. Sure the old ones were giving you knee problems because the soles were worn. And they smelled like you found them buried under a manure pile. But they felt good on your feet and reminded you of all the good times you had wearing them. Don't forget, though, once upon a time those shit kickers were new.

The reality, good or bad, is that the game is moving to more more straight laced and marketable venues and players. And in all reality, that's the only possible way it's going to attract legitimate high dollar sponsors who can pump enough money into the game to provide decent livings to more than just the top handful of players. Having said that, I don't think the gritty and raw vibe that we loved so much about the old Derby days will ever be completely gone. It'll just be relegated to pool rooms and smaller tournaments. I mean, from what I hear Buffalo's in NOLA is legit. And closer to home for me, Michael's in Fairfield/Cinci is rocking on the weekends.
 
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My guess is that the contract is up and they need to negotiate a new one and explore explore other options.
 
Chad from Diamond did an interview on Bad Boys' social media. I haven't watched it yet but I was told that Chad stated that the event isn't moving.

I know there have been a few people here that stated "everyone hates the venue." Obviously that is statistically not correct but there is a number of people that don't like the venue. I know some vendors aren't thrilled with the venue but they still come, which means they don't hate it enough to not show up. Diamond capped the 9 ball at 500 players and not only did they get 500 players, but they had to turn away players. I heard between 100-150 players on top of the 500 wanted to play. So all those players don't hate the venue to the point of not showing up.

I understand the business reasons for going there. Personally I am indifferent on the venue. I am just happy the event still happens and is growing.
 
if you are turning away players than they need to raise the entry fees significantly as that means they are too cheap.

this will raise the prize pools and be more enticing for advertisers, viewers, and other interested people.
 
I like the venue. I’ve heard from some locals and employees that it is their busiest week of he year. Maybe Diamond can pressure them into an expansion.
 
maha said:
if you are turning away players than they need to raise the entry fees significantly as that means they are too cheap.

this will raise the prize pools and be more enticing for advertisers, viewers, and other interested people.
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Depends on how much people suggest it get raised to. If you raise it too much, then you potentially don't get the same amount of players. It would be an interesting statistical analysis of which brings in more money.
 
Nature Boy said:
I like the venue. I’ve heard from some locals and employees that it is their busiest week of he year. Maybe Diamond can pressure them into an expansion.
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Thats 100% fact, its a ghost town the rest of the year compared to those 10 days. The actual casino being where it is now compared to where it was, probably boosts normal business and it for sure makes it easier for anyone there for pool to pay their tribute. If it has to stay there to survive, at least for now, so be it but it would be cool if they found another location. Surely there’s some old abboned warehouse’s around Louisville that could be renovated into a dedicated venue…🤔
 
What I "hate" is someone, or something, pretending to be something it is not. I can accept, even praise, DCC as a pool tournament, but a "hustler's jamboree" it is no longer. At the EW, we old school, hard core, pool players were given a last glimpse into a heaven of what once was. Sadly, the DCC curtain into our old world has been closed. Permanently, it seems. The pool world is like everything else -- it is changing. Now, it seems the pool world of old exists only as a memory -- a time and place bobbing in our wake. Soon it may simply slip beyond all comprehension.

I got some of it, but not as much as I wish. One thing about it, love dies hard, and pool seems to be like the rest. Buffalo's in New Orleans, and others I am sure (y'all will have to help me here) are mercifully providing us a last stand. Best get it while you can. The challenge, like much of gambling, is to be able to recognize what is happening, while it is happening, and getting in on it before the magic once again disappears.
 
Biloxi Boy said:
What I "hate" is someone, or something, pretending to be something it is not. I can accept, even praise, DCC as a pool tournament, but a "hustler's jamboree" it is no longer. At the EW, we old school, hard core, pool players were given a last glimpse into a heaven of what once was. Sadly, the DCC curtain into our old world has been closed. Permanently, it seems. The pool world is like everything else -- it is changing. Now, it seems the pool world of old exists only as a memory -- a time and place bobbing in our wake. Soon it may simply slip beyond all comprehension.

I got some of it, but not as much as I wish. One thing about it, love dies hard, and pool seems to be like the rest. Buffalo's in New Orleans, and others I am sure (y'all will have to help me here) are mercifully providing us a last stand. Best get it while you can. The challenge, like much of gambling, is to be able to recognize what is happening, while it is happening, and getting in on it before the magic once again disappears.
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Yep. Change is inevitable. And for those of us who got to experience the old version, some might say the real version, of The Derby were a part of something truly special. I'm thankful I saw it for what it was at the time: a legitimate homage to Johnston City. I had plenty of "Holy Shit..." moments over the years. None of them were bad. They were just moments right out in plain sight that I had, under normal circumstances, only seen in more private settings. But I quickly learned that the EW Derby wasn't normal circumstances. And I think it's kind of ambitious to think it wouldn't have gotten raided or somebody wouldn't have been murdered at the pace it was going.

In a weird kind of way I kind of wish I'd never went to the old version. I said "kinda," so hear me out. If I'd never experienced the old version, I wouldn't be able to compare what it has become to that. And, honestly, if I didn't have that comparison I'd probably think it's pretty damn awesome. Basically all the best players in the world are there playing in three of the most popular disciplines for a nice chunk of cash. And there's still plenty of action on the side. Plus, a ton of it is streamed for free on YouTube. Can anyone honestly imagine if streaming was around for the old Derby??? Jesus... All of those streams would have been pulled faster than a knife fight in a phone booth.
 
Jimmy_Betmore said:
Yep. Change is inevitable. And for those of us who got to experience the old version, some might say the real version, of The Derby were a part of something truly special. I'm thankful I saw it for what it was at the time: a legitimate homage to Johnston City. I had plenty of "Holy Shit..." moments over the years. None of them were bad. They were just moments right out in plain sight that I had, under normal circumstances, only seen in more private settings. But I quickly learned that the EW Derby wasn't normal circumstances. And I think it's kind of ambitious to think it wouldn't have gotten raided or somebody wouldn't have been murdered at the pace it was going.

In a weird kind of way I kind of wish I'd never went to the old version. I said "kinda," so hear me out. If I'd never experienced the old version, I wouldn't be able to compare what it has become to that. And, honestly, if I didn't have that comparison I'd probably think it's pretty damn awesome. Basically all the best players in the world are there playing in three of the most popular disciplines for a nice chunk of cash. And there's still plenty of action on the side. Plus, a ton of it is streamed for free on YouTube. Can anyone honestly imagine if streaming was around for the old Derby??? Jesus... All of those streams would have been pulled faster than a knife fight in a phone booth.
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Not even close to all the best players, there were about 5 people who had a shot of winning any given discipline.

No Chang JL, Orcollo, Aranas, 3 Ko's, Kaci brothers, Shaw, Bergman etc. Seriously, it was a dismal turnout for top players.

It may have been the best year ever for average players to go deep and a claim to "fame" for a "deep" finish in the Derby.

It actually looked more like a Turningstone event or worse.

I said what I said
 
Biloxi Boy said:
What I "hate" is someone, or something, pretending to be something it is not. I can accept, even praise, DCC as a pool tournament, but a "hustler's jamboree" it is no longer. At the EW, we old school, hard core, pool players were given a last glimpse into a heaven of what once was. Sadly, the DCC curtain into our old world has been closed. Permanently, it seems. The pool world is like everything else -- it is changing. Now, it seems the pool world of old exists only as a memory -- a time and place bobbing in our wake. Soon it may simply slip beyond all comprehension.

I got some of it, but not as much as I wish. One thing about it, love dies hard, and pool seems to be like the rest. Buffalo's in New Orleans, and others I am sure (y'all will have to help me here) are mercifully providing us a last stand. Best get it while you can. The challenge, like much of gambling, is to be able to recognize what is happening, while it is happening, and getting in on it before the magic once again disappears.
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I haven't been to any since EW, seems like a tournament slog rather than a gamblers paradise. Nothing wrong with that, but the Derby has lost its way
 
briankenobi said:
Chad from Diamond did an interview on Bad Boys' social media. I haven't watched it yet but I was told that Chad stated that the event isn't moving.

I know there have been a few people here that stated "everyone hates the venue." Obviously that is statistically not correct but there is a number of people that don't like the venue. I know some vendors aren't thrilled with the venue but they still come, which means they don't hate it enough to not show up. Diamond capped the 9 ball at 500 players and not only did they get 500 players, but they had to turn away players. I heard between 100-150 players on top of the 500 wanted to play. So all those players don't hate the venue to the point of not showing up.

I understand the business reasons for going there. Personally I am indifferent on the venue. I am just happy the event still happens and is growing.
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Even horrible strip clubs have customers 🤷‍♂️
 
Another thing, our upcoming young superstars cannot attend anymore, remember a few years ago when Fedor was banned due to age

What a shame
 
billiardshot said:
There a New Casino Opening Feb 12, 2025 in Ownsboro, Ky
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Not exactly a casino….a place with the historical horse racing machines. Popping up everywhere. Typically, one finds older broke folks spending their social security checks every month. No table or card games in these places.
 
briankenobi said:
Depends on how much people suggest it get raised to. If you raise it too much, then you potentially don't get the same amount of players. It would be an interesting statistical analysis of which brings in more money.
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well they seem to charge only 160 bucks which is chicken feed. and some 200 bucks for the good spectator seats. doesnt make sense.
try 500 entry fee and i bet your sweet ass you still get more wanted to enter than you can have room for. and watch it grow year after year.
and probably more spectators as the interest in the higher payouts go up..
and maybe tv interest.
 
briankenobi said:
Not something Diamond could control. They had a contract and couldn't leave.
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But very much something they can address when it comes time for renewal. They can choose not to. And look for another local venue without these requirements.

But apparently... Diamond has made it clear they do not wish to address this issue.
 
maha said:
well they seem to charge only 160 bucks which is chicken feed. and some 200 bucks for the good spectator seats. doesnt make sense.
try 500 entry fee and i bet your sweet ass you still get more wanted to enter than you can have room for. and watch it grow year after year.
and probably more spectators as the interest in the higher payouts go up..
and maybe tv interest.
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I'll take that bet. Absolutely zero chance I go to DCC ever again if the entry fees were raised more than another $50.00. There is a LOT of dead money in the event. And if you are talking about paying for seats... I've never paid for seating outside of the action rooms, and don't ever intend to. It makes zero sense to, as I never know which times I am going to be able to watch a match with everything else going on. Paying $500 for Accu-Stats arena seating? Absolutely insane, for all but an affluent few.

I absolutely guarantee you.. For the amateur players... DCC gets about as much blood out of that stone as it is currently possible to get.
 

Would HIGHER entry fees make for better tournaments?

I sponser and stake and few players from time to time. Most recently the Florida pro tour Finale. Before that the US Open. First place in the Florida event was 5k and I can't remember the open but it couldn't have been more than 15 or 20k! It has been said outside sponsership or TV could be...
forums.azbilliards.com

here is an old thread about this. they explain it well. especially about how the entry fees to play are the same as 20 years ago. and how so little prize money brings nothing to help pool.
 
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